The VIRGIN STRIPPER

27

**** Lisa Michaels****

"Edith," I called into the phone nervously and closed my eyes. Why was she calling me at this time and now of all days?

"That's aunt Edith to you," her voice was stern over the line and I swallowed. I really didn't need her right now. "Why are you so closed up dear? You promised to call after the funeral, Ella has been worried sick about you."

Right!

"I'm fine really. I've just been very busy at work lately." I tried my best to hide the irritation clawing at me.

"Dear, Jessica told me about your little boy visits. She says you have a bunch of guys who come to visit?" Her Inquisition was more of a demand and I had to remind myself that my nosy neighbors were good at anything but minding their own business.

"Well Jessica is wrong and the guy who keeps visiting is a good friend." I replied and closed my eyes.

"You know better than to let those boys in your house especially when there's no adult in there. You should have just agreed to stay with me and your uncle. What was so important for you that you had to live all alone?"

My mom. I wanted to say but I held back. She would never understand how I felt after losing her. All she ever cared about was how to spend my uncle's money and lecture him on being perfect while praising her daughter Ella.

She was so controlling it went past me how she had such people in her life.

Her daughter was anything but her mother while her husband passed forth as formal and very humble.

All I had against her was how controlling she was and how she tried to put me down.

"Mr Pavel offered me a job here." My tone was flat and I didn't even want to talk anymore.

"Which could have waited till after college. And what is it that you do there? Serve drinks to old perverts and get wasted?"

Okay, now that hit it!

"Is there a reason you called?" I asked between clenched teeth.

Other than to judge me of course.

"Yes, we just received the confirmation that you were allowed to go back to college. I wanted to know if you were renting an apartment with Ella once she moved to Boston."

"I don't think I will be renting an apartment," I told her and restrained myself from rolling my eyes from the irritation I felt.

Why would she think I'd want to be anywhere close to her controlling claws?

I liked Ella so much but really, there was only much of her enthusiasm anyone could take at a time.

"That Pavel should not have hired you there. You'd be in school getting ready to graduate."

"He did hire me and I'm thankful. I need to be at work in a minute." I told her with as much finality as I could.

"Thanksgiving is a few weeks from now. Please make it for the family gathering this year mmh?"

To that I sighed and closed my eyes. Of course I wouldn't make it but as part of the plan I agreed and hang up.

I'd only tell her that something came up before then.

Checking the time, I exhaled and walked to the bathroom.

This evening was already ruined and I literally didn't need her mightier than thou act to finish it up for me but unfortunately, here I was and my heart was weighing a little heavier than it previously did.